# Cis K8S V1120 4.1.6

> Ensure that the --kubeconfig kubelet.conf file ownership is set to root:root (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-4-1-6` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-4-1-6`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-4-1-6/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1120-4-1-6

---


# CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.12.0 - Control 4.1.6

## Description

Ensure that the `kubelet.conf` file ownership is set to `root:root`.

## Rationale

The `kubelet.conf` file is the kubeconfig file for the node, and controls various parameters that set the behavior and identity of the worker node. You should set its file ownership to maintain the integrity of the file. The file should be owned by `root:root`.

## Impact

None

## Audit Procedure

### Step 1: Set the kubelet config variable

Automated AAC auditing has been modified to allow CIS-CAT to input a variable for the `<PATH>/<FILENAME>` of the kubelet config file.

Please set `$kubelet_config=<PATH>` based on the file location on your system.

For example:

```bash
export kubelet_config=/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
```

### Step 2: Verify file ownership

To perform the audit manually: Run the below command (based on the file location on your system) on the each worker node. For example,

```bash
stat -c %U:%G /etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
```

Verify that the ownership is set to `root:root`.

## Remediation

Run the below command (based on the file location on your system) on the each worker node. For example,

```bash
chown root:root /etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
```

## Default Value

By default, `kubelet.conf` file ownership is set to `root:root`.

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubelet/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                                                                                                  | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts<br>Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. |      | ●    | ●    |
| v7               | 4 Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges<br>Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges                                                                             |      |      |      |

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Worker Node

## Assessment Status

Automated